New England Patriots; 5 Biggest Rumors Heading Into Week 1

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The New England Patriots went 12-4 in 2013 and lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game. Their season will officially get underway at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday as they take on the Miami Dolphins on the road. As they begin their season to work towards the ultimate goal of winning a fourth Super Bowl, what are the five biggest rumors surrounding the Patriots?

5. Will CB Darrelle Revis Be As Good As Advertised?

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5. Will CB Darrelle Revis Be As Good As Advertised?

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Chances are yes, Revis will be as good as advertised, and opposing wide receivers should only enter Revis Island at their own risk. The Patriots are reportedly already trying to extend his contract. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots use Revis throughout the season (no doubt better than Tampa Bay did last season). Will he always line up on the same side of the field or against the opposing team’s best WR?

4. Will TE Tim Wright Produce?

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4. Will TE Tim Wright Produce?

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In the somewhat surprising trade of Logan Mankins, the Patriots received a fourth-round draft pick and Wright from the Buccaneers. Many figured Wright was a throw-in and he would be expendable. According to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, that is not the case. McDaniels believes Wright could be a key contributor, which would be great because the Patriots are thin at the TE position.

3. Will TE Rob Gronkowski Actually Play in Week 1?

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3. Will TE Rob Gronkowski Actually Play in Week 1?

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Gronk originally stated he would be ready to play Week 1, but Patriots head coach Bill Belichick pulled a Lee Corso, “not so fast,” and pumped the brakes. This has been big news, but the Patriots don’t actually need him to play Week 1. The Patriots should be able to take care of the Dolphins even without Gronk. They need their star TE and his Hamburger Helper glove-sized hands healthy and in a rhythm for the postseason, not Week 1.

2. Can the Patriots Stay Healthy This Season?

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2. Can the Patriots Stay Healthy This Season?

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 season will always leave Patriots fans saying “what if?” What if the Patriots hadn’t experienced so many injuries? Would they have won the AFC Championship game? Well, it’s time to move on and focus on 2014. The Patriots are actually pretty healthy as they enter Week 1. Can they sustain this level of health and get Gronk ready? Patriots fans sure hope so, and not having to face the Patriots assassin Bernard Pollard should help.

1. Will They Win the AFC East Again?

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1. Will They Win the AFC East Again?

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The Patriots are one of the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. They have won 11 of the last 13 division titles, including five straight. Can they make it six? Chances are yes, they can, especially if the last slide holds true and the Patriots aren’t hit with the injury bug. Defeating an opponent in their division on the road in Week 1 would be a great way to start working towards another AFC East crown.